A diver’s paradise: don’t wait, visit the Maldives now

Just saying ‘the Maldives’ conjures up images of impossibly blue sea, sweeping, wide beach vistas and, of course, luxury. Bright sunshine, soaring temperatures and the warm Indian Ocean lapping at your feet, together with tall palm trees and beach huts create the idea of paradise on earth. If you’re lucky enough to take a holiday to the Maldives, your visit won’t be easily forgotten.

Like many of the small, island nations, the beauty of the Maldives is in jeopardy from global warming and rising sea levels; 80% of the nation is less than 1 metre (3.3 feet) above sea level. Is there a better excuse to book a package holiday to such a spectacular destination? Here are some more reasons you should be booking a flight.

Since the 1970s tourism has been the Maldives’ most important industry, and if you choose one of the large resorts you’ll find sports and leisure facilities as well as restaurants, bars and spa amenities.

Diving

Of course with such warm, clear waters at 26-30 degrees and an abundance of wildlife and coral reefs around the islands, it seems inevitable that diving is the main attraction.

It’s hard to think of a better place to try scuba diving than the Maldives. There are different dives for different levels and appropriate training given. Beginners’ courses are often provided by the resorts in addition to dedicated dive schools on the islands. More advanced dives are also available, including the opportunity to explore the Maldives Victory wreck, a ship that sank in 1981. There are few sights more dramatic than seeing an underwater ship appear out of the blue before you.

If scuba diving isn’t for you, simply slip on your snorkelling mask and float around exploring the underwater world around you. Snorkelling is a great alternative to diving and offers plenty of opportunity to marvel at the sea life around you.

The several ecosystems around the Maldives house a hugely diverse population of marine life. Among the colourful creatures to look out for are five species of majestic sea turtles, which are accustomed to divers, so provide great opportunities for observation. Of course, you may also come face to face with some of the 21 species of whales and dolphins and over 1,100 species of fish, including pufferfish, lionfish, unicornfish, oriental sweetlips, snappers and squirrelfish to name just a few.

There are even dives available to MushimasmingiliThila (Shark Thila), where grey reef sharks, giant snappers and tropical reef fish wait to provide even more unforgettable moments on your holiday in the Maldives.

The coral reefs provide a beautiful backdrop to your exploration and are compared to an underwater rainforest because they are home to so much marine life. The coral reefs were in danger in the late 90s when 2/3 were wiped out, but an innovative project has managed to restore them., Vivid colours and beautifully chaotic underwater mountains once again provide a spectacular underwater terrain for you to explore.

Fishing trips

For anglers, there’s the chance to sail on the Indian Ocean at night for big game fishing to catch barracuda, squirrelfish, groupers and snappers. You can even finish the night with a barbecue of your catch – a unique experience under the stars.

Although the temperatures are often above 30 degrees and barely dip below it, there are two distinct seasons to be aware of before deciding on your dates to visit is the Maldivian summer is monsoon season, when the south west monsoon brings an increase in rainfall and storms. Both seasons bring distinct wildlife to the islands’ Luxury.

Since the 1970s, tourism has been the Maldives’ most important industry; however, that doesn’t mean the islands are overcrowded with hotels. On the contrary. Tourism in the Maldives is almost exclusively focused on luxury. The focus on the decadent has led to the creation of some of the best hotels in the world. Accommodation is made up of thatch-roofed coral cabanas, and if you choose one of the large resorts, you’ll find sports and leisure facilities as well as restaurants, bars and spa amenities to enjoy.

There is so much to discover in the Maldives, as well as places to visit and delicious fresh seafood to enjoy. For divers, fishermen, wildlife enthusiasts or those who just love being surrounded by nature’s tropical beauty, you’ll be enchanted by the utter bliss of the eternally breathtaking Maldives.

Important months to remember when booking your package holiday to the Maldives

Although the temperatures are often above 30 degrees and barely dip below it, there are two distinct seasons to be aware of before deciding on your dates to visit:

December to April is the Maldivian summer with dry conditions and ocean temperatures at a steady 28-30 degrees.

May to December is monsoon season, when the south west monsoon brings an increase in rainfall and storms.

Both seasons bring distinct wildlife to the islands but don’t worry; diving conditions are superb during each one.

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